Structural Support

Definition

structural supports are connections or restraints that connect a structure to another structural element or to the ground and restrict its movement by providing reaction forces and, in some cases, reaction moments.

In other words, Support is a connection that restrains certain degrees of freedom and provides reactions to maintain structural stability and equilibrium.

For static equilibrium, supports are particularly important because they generate the reaction forces/moments that balance the applied loads

Common types

• Roller support → restrains movement in one direction; allows movement in another direction and rotation.
• Pin (hinge) support → restrains translation in two directions; allows rotation.
• Fixed support → restrains translation and rotation, producing both reaction forces and a reaction moment.